The Church of Saint Francis is the most prominent Gothic monument in Porto, being also noted for its outstanding Baroque inner decoration. It is located in the historic centre of the city and has been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Franciscans settled in Porto at the beginning of the 13th century. In 1233 they were assigned land for the construction of a church.
In 1383 the construction of the present church began, on the impulse of the decree of Ferdinand I, special protector of the Franciscans. The building was completed in 1410. The new church represented a significant expansion of the internal space, which since then has 3 bays.
The main facade of the church contains a Gothic rose window, richly elaborated and decorated. This is the only surviving original decoration, while the portal is a baroque work on two levels, in which a statue of San Francesco d'Assisi is inserted in an elaborate structure supported by twisted columns.
Monument Church Of St Francis